WWE SummerSlam: Finn Balor Vs. Seth Rollins (WWE Universal Title Match)
The following is from our live coverage of WWE SummerSlam. To access our full coverage, click here.
WWE Universal Title Match: Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor
We go to the ring and Mick Foley is out with Stephanie McMahon. The new WWE Universal Title belt sits on a podium in the ring. It's similar to the WWE Title but has a red background. Seth Rollins is out first, followed by "Demon King" Finn Balor to a pop. Rollins watches from ringside as The Demon makes his way out. This match is to crown the first-ever WWE Universal Champion. We get formal introductions from JoJo.
The bell rings and Balor immediately strikes. He goes for a quick Coup de Grace but Rollins rolls to the floor. Balor runs the ropes and leaps out, taking Rollins out. Balor brings it back in the ring but Rollins kicks him. Balor turns it back around and they end up on the floor. Rollins tosses Balor into the timekeeper's area. Balor rises and goes back to work on Rollins. Balor brings it in the ring and goes on to hit a dropkick to the face for a 2 count.
Back to the floor as Rollins powerbombs Balor into the barrier. He brings it back in for a 2 count. Rollins with more offense in the corner now. More back and forth. Rollins avoids another Coup de Grace. Lots more back and forth. Balor takes Rollins from corner to corner and hits a low dropkick, sending Rollins to the floor. Balor with a big knee to the face from the apron. They come back in and Rollins cuts Balor off again. Balor blocks a Pedigree. Rollins lands no his feet, fires right back and drops Balor with an enziguri. Balor comes right back with an overhead kick.
Rollins counters 1916 with a knee to the head. Balor tries again and hits it. Balor goes to the top for a Coup de Grace but Rollins moves. Rollins applies a triangle choke. Balor makes it to the ropes but there are no disqualifications. The hold is finally broken as Balor gets to the floor. Back in the ring, Rollins ends up hitting a turnbuckle powerbomb and a superkick for a 2 count. Rollins talks some trash to Balor now. Another close call for Rollins. Rollins goes to the top but Balor kicks him off. Balor goes on and hits the big stomp to the back of the head but Rollins kicks out at 2. Balor goes back to the top but Rollins avoids the Coup de Grace and hits the Pedigree. Balor kicks out at 2.
Rollins ends up on top again and lands on his feet. Balor dropkicks him into the corner. Balor goes back up top buollins nails a superplex and holds it for a Pedigree. It's countered. Balor with a stomp. Balor dropkicks Rollins in the corner again. Balor with another dropkick into another corner. Balor goes to the top and hits Coup de Grace to become the first-ever WWE Universal Champion.
Winner and First-Ever WWE Universal Champion: Finn Balor
After the match, Balor goes to the floor to grab his title from Foley and Stephanie. He brings it back in the ring to celebrate as fans pop. We get replays and come back to Balor celebrating with the title. Balor goes to ringside and greets his parents before making his exit.